TOP DOG “TALKS TURKEY” ABOUT DOGGY DINING DURING THANKSGIVING
Pet Expert Provides Important Tips for Feeding Fido During The Holiday
While there is much to be thankful about during November’s annual end-of-the-month celebration, the feeding frenzy associated with the holiday can be fraught with dangers for the four-legged family members. National Pet Lifestyle Expert, Top Dog Eileen Proctor, provides these helpful — and potentially lifesaving — tips to keep your fur kids safe and out of the veterinarian’s office during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday. To entertain yourself and your guests you could dress them up like Pilgrims or a Turkey in these AdorableThanksgiving Day Costumes, Collars, and Scarfs.
- Keep traditional holiday foods away from your dogs; they are far too rich and spicy for pets and can trigger gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, and bouts of diarrhea. Poultry and ham bones can easily splinter and lodge in the throat, gums or the roof of the mouth; they can also puncture and cause extensive damage to the stomach and GI tract, creating a life-threatening or fatal situation. Proctor’s advice? “If in doubt, throw it out”!
- While alcohol may help you get into the holiday spirit, it can do just the opposite for your pet. A mere 3 oz. of liquor swallowed by a 10-15 pound dog can depress its nervous system enough to cause it to stop breathing. “Keep those glasses up high where the four-on-the-floor guests can’t sneak a slurp”, recommends Proctor.
- The same caveats apply to desserts and snacks, especially chocolate. Depending on the type and amount ingested, it can be toxic or even fatal. Proctor points out that because semisweet chocolate — also known as “baker’s” chocolate — contains extremely high levels of caffeine and theobromine, as little as ½ oz. per pound of body weight can stimulate your dog’s heart and nervous system with lethal results. And, while milk chocolate is less toxic to pets, Proctor points out that its high-fat content can lead to unpleasant attacks of pancreatitis.
To help keep your shaggy sons and doggy daughters safe without having them feel left out of Thanksgiving’s traditional food fest… Proctor suggests that you:
- Provide a satisfying portion of their regular food served just before your feasting begins to reduce their inclination to beg for food.
- Reinforce the “no people food” rule to your family and friends; don’t give in no matter how cute, hungry or deprived your pet looks… or how “mean” you feel!
- Stock up on special, pet-safe holiday treats online or from one of your town’s local pet bakeries or specialty shops.
We recommend ONLY treats made in the USA and look at the ingredients! Made in the USA Zuke’s Dog Treats. We like to get the ones for small dogs even though we have a Lab mix, that way I can give him a bunch without really giving him that many calories. That works great for training treats too. Of course you can always make some dog treats yourself, it’s very easy and our dog seems to know that these treats have special love baked in.
- If you are going to take Fido for a walk to make room for the pumpkin pie you might want to make sure you have your dogs paws protected with some stylish boots.
We just had to share these adorable Thanksgiving Dog Costumes.. First the Turkey!
Feast your eyes upon the Turkey Dog Costume that is sure to be a hit this holiday season. Foam-filled body gives this Turkey costume a stuffed look. Made in traditional holiday colors, with special attention to detail, this costume is one you will want to gobble up.
Flared tail, side wings and hood with beak complete the look. The snap front makes for a comfortable, easy fit. See the costume sizing chart for the perfect fit!
Pilgrim Girl Dog
Matching Pilgrim bonnet completes the look. Snap front fasteners make for an easy, comfortable fit. See the costume sizing chart for the perfect fit!
Pilgrim Boy Costume for Dogs – Hide your turkeys! This Pilgrim dog costume is perfect for Halloween and Thanksgiving. Black and white, this traditional Pilgrim outfit features a white pilgrim collar, black bodysuit, brass buckle and white cuffs at leg openings.
Matching Pilgrim hat completes the look. Snap fasteners make for a comfortable, easy fit. See the costume sizing chart for the perfect fit.
About “Top Dog” Eileen Proctor
“Top Dog” Eileen Proctor is a national Pet Lifestyle Expert and Celebrity. Renowned as America’s Canine Connections Coach and The Voice of Pet Rescue, through media appearances and speaking engagements around the country, she shares information about products, services, events and activities that improve the quality of life for pets and the people who love them. Proctor is the author of “Top Dog’s Top Tips for Tip Top Dog Care: What Your Best Friend Wants You To Know,” and is the owner of Villa La Paws Cage-Free Pet Resort in Castle Rock, CO. She recently moved to the Denver area from Phoenix, AZ where she was the “go-to pet expert” for over a decade. For additional information call 602-867-3647.
